Ride Maps

Ride Into History

This summer, don't just ride. Point your bike toward one of these iconic destinations and double the fun.

mike magnuson

ROLL ON AN OCEAN BOARDWALKRehoboth, Delaware

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Boardwalks come longer and wider than Rehoboth's mile of slats, but none tie into as fun a ride. Begin this T-shaped route at Cape Henlopen State Park, where the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay converge, and sand dunes pile up to 80 feet high. A 3.5-mile bike trail loops past concrete towers built during World War II for spying on German U-boats and leads to a bike-in, walk-in beach. Bring a swimsuit, and shower and change at the bathhouse. Pedal west to Lewes, home of Dogfish Head Brewery. Roll out of town to the Junction and Breakwater Trail, which leads south 7 miles through oak and holly forest and waving marsh grass to Rehoboth. The smell of Thrasher's French Fries hangs over the boardwalk and squeals float by from the amusement park.

Worth knowing In Lewes, hit Touch of Italy for a Rocky Marciano, a hero of hot sopressata and sharp provolone.

Bonus RideVenice Beach, California

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Every freak flag flies here, so groove on world-class people-watching as you pedal the 30-mile round-trip between Santa Monica and Redondo Beach entirely on a beachside bike path.

BUNK DOWN IN STYLECrater Lake, Oregon

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All hewn wood and native stone, Crater Lake Lodge exudes 1920s national-park cool. Plus, you're sitting atop a volcano filled with shockingly translucent blue waters. Launch a 33-mile circuit around the caldera on Rim Road, which shows off the glimmering lake and views off the backside of Mt. Thielsen and the rest of the conical southern Cascades. Back at the lodge, savor your accomplishment over a gin and tonic on the patio.

Worth knowing No room at the inn? Tent at Mazama Village Campground ($21 a night), down off the crater but still in the national park. Reserve either at craterlakelodges.com.

Bonus RideFurnace Creek Inn, Death Valley
Arrive in fall to crank 54 miles to Scotty's Castle past giant dunes and the towering Amargosa and Panamint Mountains. The inn is an oasis of Spanish colonial architecture set amid salt flats.